Black Friday Breakfast: Sweet Potato Pancakes

Black Friday. A holiday for bargain-hunters, early birds, and those stricken temporarily insane from the incredible savings. Shop 'til you drop (or shop 'til someone dropkicks you for the last iPad /vacuum cleaner/Sing-a-Ma-Jigs).

This year, I'm going to pass on the lines and the crowds of shopping zombies with their deal-crazed eyes. No 4 am doorbuster for me. No, this girl is going to be sleeping in and waking up to a leisurely breakfast. It will be a shocker if I even change out of my PJs while the sun is still shining.

Like you, I'll most definitely have a little tower of Tupperware looming in my fridge. No doubt there will be sweet potatoes in the mix – sweet potato casserole, sweet potato pie, maybe even a baked sweet potato or two. Mash some up (go ahead, include the marshmallows if you must) and combine with the ingredients for your pancakes. Voila! Sweet Potato Pancakes. Your first Thanksgiving leftovers makeover meal of the day is complete.

With some butter and maple syrup coursing through your veins, you are now primed and ready to shuffle your fuzzy slippers on over to the computer and celebrate Black Friday online. Just because you've sworn off the crowds, doesn't mean you need to miss out on all the deals. Welcome to the wonderful world of e-commerce:

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Amazon: Amazon has been offering Black Friday Lightning Deals all week, with free shipping to boot. Pick up that cookbook/breadmaker/smoker you've had your eye on. If you are so inclined to face the crowds, arm yourself with Amazon's new free iPhone app called Price Check, which allows users to make in-store price comparisons by scanning the barcode of a product, taking a picture of an item, or saying the product's name into the phone. If the item is listed on Amazon, the app will display prices sorted from lowest to highest, and allow customers to purchase it right there.

Macy's: Admittedly, the puppies and kitties in the window at the Union Square Macy's are adorably cuddly, but they'll be there until January 2nd so no need to bum rush them on the busiest shopping day of the year. Black Friday deals will be sold both online and in stores. If you're in the market for some spiffy new kitchen appliances: Cuisinart 7-Cup Food Processor (on sale for $69.99, reg. $149.99) and KitchenAid Classic Stand Mixer (on sale for $179.99, reg. $299.99).

Etsy: Online marketplace for the homespun and artsy fartsy, find the best Black Friday deals on Etsy by searching the term "Black Friday Etsy" on the site. Of note: if you're looking for a unique, quirky foodie gift, this is a good place to start.

Best Buy: The same products promoted in its Thanksgiving Ads will be available online. Best Buy is also offering free shipping on online orders through Dec. 21, excluding laptops, iPads, iPods and some major appliances.

Apple: Even the almighty Apple is hopping on the Black Friday gravy train this year. For one day only, select items will be on sale at Apple stores and online.

Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to 200 F (to keep the pancakes warm as you finish each batch).
2. Whisk together in a large bowl the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk together in another bowl the wet ingredients: milk, sweet potatoes, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and gently whisk them together until just combined (don't overmix).
5. Cook pancakes on a hot, buttered griddle or frying pan until the top of the pancakes bubble a bit, then flip and cook until the underside is lightly browned.
6. Keep warm on a foil-lined baking sheet in the warmed oven until all the batter has been used up. Serve with butter and maple syrup.